UK Student Visa Application
From 5 October, 2020, the Tier 4 Student Visa was replaced by the “Student Route” for EU/EEA nationals wishing to enter the UK after 1 January, 2021.
The Student Visa permits you to study in the UK. An unconditional offer from an authorised sponsor is required for both EEA and non-EEA nationals, to be eligible for the visa in the post-Brexit environment.
After graduating from an approved course in the UK, under the new Graduate Visa, you will be permitted to stay and also work in the UK for two years. The time period increases to three years for PhD graduates.
UK Student Visa Eligibility
To apply for the Student Visa, there are certain eligibility requirements that need to be fulfilled:
- An absolute offer to study from an authentic sponsoring establishment
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your sponsoring establishment
- On the points-based system score of at least 70 points
- Appropriate academic qualifications to take the course and sincerely study in the UK
- Evidence that show you can financially support your study life in the UK
Meeting the 70-point Requirement as a Student
The points-based immigration system might seem intimidating, but it is actually quite easy and straightforward. Simply, if you meet the eligibility requirements then you will obtain the 70 points.
The points are divided as:
- 50 points: Obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- 10 points: Meeting the standard financial requirements
- 10 points: Meeting the English language requirement of level B2 as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
What are the Course Requirements ?
There are certain course requirements that should be met for you to be eligible to study in the UK such as:
- Full-time course leading to a certificate or diploma below the level of a bachelor’s degree (RQF level 3, 4 or 5). A minimum of 15 hours of organised daytime study per week is required.
- Full-time course leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
- Full-time degree-level or higher (RQF level 6, 7, or 8) course that will be offered as part of an overseas course and is similar to a UK higher education course.
- Part-time course leading to a higher-level certification than a bachelor’s degree (RQF level 7 or above)
- For postgraduate doctors or dentists, a recognised foundation course is available.
- As determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an English language course at level B2
What are the Requirements Around Finances ?
You would need to provide proof of your financial ability to study in the UK. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK.
The following are the standard financial requirements:
- For courses in London, the monthly fee is £1,334 for up to 9 months.
- For courses outside London, the monthly fee is £1,023 for up to 9 months.
- If you are based in London, the Doctorate Extension Scheme would cost you £2,668 a month.
- If you are based outside of London, you can pay £2,046 a month for courses.
You must be able to show that you have had this money for 28 days in a row, with the end date falling within 31 days of the date you applied for the visa.
Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn how to apply for a Spouse Visa.
What is the English language requirement ?
You must be able to demonstrate English language competence in order to study in the UK. Those studying below the degree level must demonstrate B1 level competence, and those studying at the degree level or higher must demonstrate B2 level.
Taking a SELT English language test is the preferred way of demonstrating English proficiency. Trinity College London, the IELTS SELT Consortium, Language Cert, and Pearson Education Ltd are the four certified SELT test providers.
You can take a test at any of the test centres around the world. You will find a list of certified testing centres here.
Required Documents for Student Visa
You will be required to submit certain information and documentation as part of your Student Visa application. Your application will be rejected unless you include all of the necessary details and documentation.
The following documentation is required for a UK Student Visa:
- A valid passport or other travel document
- Your course provider’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Evidences such as bank statements that prove you have the requisite financial resources (if applicable)
- If the course requires it, a valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
- Test results for tuberculosis (if applicable)
- If your sponsor has decided to financially help you with your course fees and living expenses, you must get written permission from them.
If you are under the age of 18, you must have additional information, such as written permission from your parents/legal guardians, stating that they agree to your visa application, living and care arrangements in the UK, and travel to the UK.
It should be noted that all documents written in a language other than English or Welsh must be translated by a certified translator. In your proof portfolio, you must have both the original and translated versions.
Exemptions from English language requirement
International students are exempted from the English language requirement if they meet the following criteria:
- You have completed an English course at an accredited educational provider, either as an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
- You have completed an English course as an undergraduate or postgraduate student at an accredited educational institution.
- You are applying to study in the UK as part of a university degree program in the United States.
Additionally, those from English speaking countries would not be required to meet the English language requirements.
The following countries’ nationals are exempt:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Republic of Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK
- USA
How to Apply for a Student Visa
Having the correct documents to support your UK Spouse Visa maximises your chances of success along with preventing delays and problems. Thus, it is highly important to make sure that your documents are in order.
The following documents should be sent to the Home Office for the Spouse Visa application:
- Your original marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Evidence of having a genuine relationship.
- Evidence that you and your partner have been living together for at least the past two years
- Evidence that your partner is a British citizen or UK settled person
- Evidence of accommodation
- Evidence of having met the minimum income threshold and the financial requirement
- A valid passport to get leave to remain in the UK
- A valid certificate to demonstrate your knowledge in English Language
All the documents should be in English therefore should accordingly be translated by professional translator. The evidence should be presented in the exact format as stated by the Home Office.
Can I Extend the Student Visa ?
In certain cases, students will be able to extend their student visas. It is also presently possible to expand the terms of the old Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
The following conditions must be met in order to extend the visa:
- You must be in the UK on a Tier 4 or a Student Visa (General)
- Must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor on a course
- Must have obtained a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
- You must be able to demonstrate that the course is on a higher academic standard than the one you are already taking.
What are my Options After my Course has Finished ?
The introduction of a path to UK residency for students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree was one of the improvements made as part of the rebranding exercise of the student route.
This immigration authorisation, also known as the Graduate Visa, allows graduates to work, look for work, and remain in the UK for up to two years. PhD students can reside in the UK for up to three years on a Graduate Visa.
This immigration authorisation will be available to all foreign students who have graduated, starting in the summer of 2021.
If you wish to know more about the Student Visa or are in need of help regarding its operation then our team can assist.
